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Buffalo Firefighters Shocked During Fire; Family Complains of Slow Operation
LOREY SCHULTZ
WIVB
Reprinted with Permission
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - One of Buffalo's bravest is recovering from an especially dangerous night on the job. And a family left homeless by that fire has a lot of questions.
(WIVB photo)
Related
Where was the water and why weren't firefighters using it? That's what a young Buffalo family wants to know after a fire destroyed their home. Fire officials claim crews were forced to retreat as soon as they faced an electrical hazard.
Three children, no older than six, slept in the back seat of the family van. Their parents, Prince Taylor and his wife, were right outside, collecting what little they could salvage from their apartment after a fire ripped through the home Wednesday night.
The mom said, "My husband, me, the children. We're still in the same clothes from yesterday."
The family is now homeless, and find themselves questioning the actions of firefighters.
"We lost our home. They were supposed to save our home," said the woman.
The Taylor's claim that fire crews were slow to put water on the blaze, and wonder if there was a problem that needs to be addressed. Several hydrants sit adjacent to the dwelling, and appeared untouched.
Prince Taylor said, "They had one hose, and it was outside spraying from downstairs."
Taylor's wife said, "We just want to know why it took so long to put the fire out."
Fire investigators claim water access wasn't the issue. Apparently, crews had to retreat from the attic when sparks started to fly.
Buffalo Fire Division Chief John Mogavero said, "They were getting shocked, electrocuted as they went along. I know some neighbor's complained about us not using water, but we can't use water outside structure inside because we had firefighters making a push, and the only thing that would result in is a dead firefighter."
In this case, a fire captain was injured, hospitalized overnight with burns to the face and hand. Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield said that it's not uncommon for firefighters to face potential electrical hazards like this.
"It was tremendously hot, even with gear on the exposure to heat would cause burns," said Whitfield.
The Taylor's are relieved that no one was seriously hurt, but still believe water access was an issue, and claim to have video that proves it.
Taylor's wife said, "We love firefighters to death. They should have done everything they could to save our home."
School 84 in Buffalo is now in the process of setting up some help for the distraught family. The fire captain continues to recover at home.
Copyright WIVB.com
WIVB
Reprinted with Permission
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - One of Buffalo's bravest is recovering from an especially dangerous night on the job. And a family left homeless by that fire has a lot of questions.
(WIVB photo)
Related
Where was the water and why weren't firefighters using it? That's what a young Buffalo family wants to know after a fire destroyed their home. Fire officials claim crews were forced to retreat as soon as they faced an electrical hazard.
Three children, no older than six, slept in the back seat of the family van. Their parents, Prince Taylor and his wife, were right outside, collecting what little they could salvage from their apartment after a fire ripped through the home Wednesday night.
The mom said, "My husband, me, the children. We're still in the same clothes from yesterday."
The family is now homeless, and find themselves questioning the actions of firefighters.
"We lost our home. They were supposed to save our home," said the woman.
The Taylor's claim that fire crews were slow to put water on the blaze, and wonder if there was a problem that needs to be addressed. Several hydrants sit adjacent to the dwelling, and appeared untouched.
Prince Taylor said, "They had one hose, and it was outside spraying from downstairs."
Taylor's wife said, "We just want to know why it took so long to put the fire out."
Fire investigators claim water access wasn't the issue. Apparently, crews had to retreat from the attic when sparks started to fly.
Buffalo Fire Division Chief John Mogavero said, "They were getting shocked, electrocuted as they went along. I know some neighbor's complained about us not using water, but we can't use water outside structure inside because we had firefighters making a push, and the only thing that would result in is a dead firefighter."
In this case, a fire captain was injured, hospitalized overnight with burns to the face and hand. Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield said that it's not uncommon for firefighters to face potential electrical hazards like this.
"It was tremendously hot, even with gear on the exposure to heat would cause burns," said Whitfield.
The Taylor's are relieved that no one was seriously hurt, but still believe water access was an issue, and claim to have video that proves it.
Taylor's wife said, "We love firefighters to death. They should have done everything they could to save our home."
School 84 in Buffalo is now in the process of setting up some help for the distraught family. The fire captain continues to recover at home.
Copyright WIVB.com
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by andrew shapiro on
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Reality is the general public has absolutely no clue whatsoever about what is involved in fighting a residential structural fire, whether regarding the range of tactics, water supply, hazards, etc.
As a "civilian" I had no clue either until I entered the PPE industry 6 years ago and "self-schooled" myself in a general knowledge about structural firefighting.
The frustration of homeowner victims is certainly understandable given their lack of even the most basic knowledge of the subject.
As for myself it has been a real eye opener learning about structural firefighting and I could never tip my hat enough to those in the fire service.
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Permalink Reply by John S-B on
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Maybe next time they will get insurance. And I'm sure they had all their electric up to code....
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Permalink Reply by MInnFIrefighter on
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"I think it takes a particular coward to criticize procedures that you don't understand; particularly when they apply to places that you don't have the bravery to go"
not sure of the author of this quote, but i feel it applies to this lady
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Permalink Reply by lhfd_firefighter on
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whether we like it or not there will always be these types of people who always say we as firefighters do not do our jobs just because we were not able to save the home.i wish these people could go through half of the dangers we face when dealing with a house fire.i will admit that i am not fire 1 or 2 certified but i am planning to go to school in the very near future to get my fire and emt certifications so that i can be more than just someone driving the truck.my hat goes off to the certified firefighters who face the belly of the beast and keep going back for more.stay safe brothers and thoughts and prayers go out to you.
-Robert Stubbs MVFD(595)
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on
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The couple seems distraught and full of ill perceptions.
If I were to go into a structure and see sparks flying, of couse I am going to back out. Unless there's a life in danger (Example: The children were stuck in a room due to the fire), then I am not going in. Sorry, homeowners.
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